St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-01-31
LOVE CONQUERED.
Disappointed Auitor,s Timely Gem
erOSssV.

LOVE CONQUERED.
Disappointed Auitor,s Timely Gem
crosby.
Mark Sherwood, the banker, sat alone in
his counting-room, with a troubled look
upon his brow. He was sick at heart,
weary and detected, and no wonder, for
during months past bankruptcy and dis
grace had been staring him in the face.
Above all he was miserable when he re-
Elected that he had still to reveal his poverty
| to his motherlesS daughter, Grace-she
whose highest wish had never remained I'M
gratlfled. How would she bear I'D under
the blow? But the truth must be told. and
with heavy heart Mark Sherwood muffied
| himself in his cloak and bent his steps
homeward
Suddenly, however, he bethought himself
That there was to be a social gathering that
night at the mansion of Paul Ashley, a
magnate In commercial circles, and an eli
glole parti, in matrimonial point of view.
and when he remembered how courted and
battered Grace was at similar assemblages,
he was unwilling that she should carry a
sore spot in her heart through it all. and so
he resolved to defer the revelation of his
poverty until the morning
Later that evening. Grace Sherwood, sur
rounded by a throng of admirers, held sway
over them right regally. and little dreamed
of the pitfall yawning beneath her feet.
First iii her train of followers was the
host of the evening himself. An elderly,
solemn-looking man, this Paul Ashley, with
fiabby, wrinkled face and small, keen
eyes. He was short and obese in figure,
and martyr to the govt, but, on the other
hand. he was rich beyond account
At little distance, watching Grace Sher-
wood askance. was younger and more cul-
tivated man. He was handsome, well-bred,
thosoughly self possessed and giftep with
rich, elegant voice, but beyond mis- expecta-
ton from his uncle-his name was Mortimer
Ashley: and he was Paul Ashley'S nephew
he was poor.
lnvoluntarily the bankers eye wandered
to where Paul Ashley and his daughter We're
promendading and his glance lighted with
a gieam of triumph. The young man be-
held the look and deep frown settled on
his face.
''FalthleSS and tickle," muttered MOrt-
mer Ashley, turning upon his heel and
suiding away, full of disappointment and
bitterness.
Grace kept her room long in the forenoon
on the morrow. Paul Ashley had been
c!oseted with her father long before she had
awakened. and after that interview the
bankers face wore bright look-for a
newly defined hope had been aroused in his
breast.
He came to her little before sunset as
she was standing pensively by western
window.
Grace. my child" he said, 81 have
something important to say to you"
In few minutes he revealed it all.
MY darling" he concluded. Il grieve
most for your sake that am unable to eX-
tricate myself from the ruin that threatens
me-there is but one hope for you left"
She did not ask him what it was. Her
heart leaped at the thought of this great
loss but she remained silent.
The banker did not say that Paul Ashley
had promised him sufficient means to carry
him safely over the crisis provided he could
obtain the hand of his daughter.
He has asked my permission to wait upon
you" he said All that he wants is per
mission to propose and you should be sensi-
BILE and marry him if he asks you. Let me
congratulate you tomorrow as the affianced
bride of Paul Ashley"
Graces heart sank within her BOSOM
What was her duty? If she could save her
father by rich marriage was she bound to
do so? And Mortimer Ashiey-at the bare
thought of him she put the temptation
resolutely away from her.
1t was well for Mortimer Ashley that he
came to her that night or her decision
might have been adverse to him. But as
he took her hand in his, and, drawing her
to him. looked into her lustrous eyes, she
knew that his love was dearer to.her than
all the riches or luxury in the wide world
dearer than life itself.
Oracle" he said, ''you will not accept
another'S love?"
mo, Mortimer" she whispered. ST can
not give you up"
Their eyes met and Mortimer bent down
and kissed her.
Leave me now. darling" she said, after
pause. Your uncle Paul will be here
shortly. 1t will be easier for me to give
him an answer now"
Presently Paul Ashley was ushered in.
eager to know his fate.
Miss Sherwood will You marry me?" he
asked.
mo, Mr.. Ashley" was all she said.
She arose to leave his presence. knowing
it would be best to say no more, but the
swinging gas jet came in contact with the
light fabric of her sleeve and in a moment
her dress was in a blaze.
Suddenly she found herself clasped in
mans strong arms, and, unconsciously
closing her eyes. she thought that Paul
Ashley had crushed out the flames.
But looking up she was transfiXed with
mute surprise 1t was not Paul Ashley
who was holding her crushed to his breast.
but Mortimer. who with that dark splendid
face close to her. was looking into her eyes
passionately. She threw her arms about his
neck. and drawing him closer to her. COW
cred his handsome face with warm caresses.
Grace. l was near carrying your hand
kerchief away with me-" he said, in ex-
PLANTATION. Il little dreamed that [ was
destined again to be OF service to you.'
The elderly man, grave and SILENT stand
ing before them saw it all now and quietly
withdrew.
The next day Mark Sherwood was sur
prised by visit from Paul Ashley.
Mr.. Sherwood" he said, abruptly, 81
wish to be released from the engagement l
entered into with you. l shall never
marry" /
Mark Sherwood sighed
Il am ruined man." he said. i
Il did not see all this plainly before.
Mortimer has my consent to marry. Is
your daughter free to wed him? If so she
will not be dowerless bride. You will
lose nothing by this turn of affairs. for L
shall enable my nephew to eXtricate you .
from your present embarrassments. There !
is no more to be said on the subject
And Paul Ashley put on his hat, bowed |
stiffly and went his way.
Tears of relief and joy sprang to Mark
eyes, for now he knew that he
could greet his daughter Grace with !
happy heart
With llghiened spirits the banker has
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